A small piece of cloth, usually carried in a pocket, used for wiping your nose or hands.
Short form of 'handkerchief,' which comes from 'hand' and 'kerchief' (from French 'couvre-chef' meaning 'head cover'). The abbreviation 'hanky' became popular in the 19th century as casual speech.
Before tissues were invented, hankies were essential items—so important that giving someone a hanky was actually a romantic gesture in Victorian times!
Handkerchief was gendered feminine in 20th-century etiquette and advertising (delicate, perfumed); men's handkerchiefs were marketed differently. 'Hanky-panky' slang also acquired suggestive associations.
Use neutrally; object has no inherent gender. Avoid phrases like 'dainty hanky' that imply feminine association.
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